Ingredients
Scale
For the Avocado Cups:
- 3-4 ripe but firm avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for brushing avocados)
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, finely chopped (patted very dry)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Avocados: Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits carefully. If needed, use a spoon to slightly enlarge the cavity where the pit was, creating more space for filling. Brush cut surfaces with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange avocado halves on a serving platter, cut side up.
- Cook Bacon: If not already cooked, cook bacon until crispy using your preferred method (oven, stovetop, or microwave). Drain on paper towels, let cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped lettuce (make sure lettuce is very dry). Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Gently toss until everything is lightly coated but not overdressed. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Fill Avocado Cups: Using a small spoon, generously fill each avocado half with the BLT mixture, mounding slightly. Pack the filling gently so it stays in place.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the top, or add a pinch of shredded cheese to each cup.
- Serve: Serve immediately for best texture and color. If making slightly ahead, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours, but note that avocados may brown slightly despite lemon juice.
Notes
- Choose avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm—too soft and they’ll be mushy.
- Pat lettuce very dry—excess moisture makes the filling watery and causes avocado browning.
- Don’t overdress the filling—just coat lightly with mayo.
- Lemon juice helps prevent browning but won’t stop it completely after several hours.
- These are best eaten within 2-3 hours of assembly for optimal color and texture.
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled avocado half
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 18mg